Thousands of Austrians and Poles are expected in the city - as well as tens of thousands of England fans from around the country.

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said high-class sporting events were a major factor in the rapidly-increasing number of hotel beds in the city.

Hotels are usually 90 per cent full during Manchester United home games - figures which will certainly be topped this week.

Demand

He said: "The fact major operators continue to invest at such a high level in the city reflects the demand created by an excellent tourism product and the number of high profile sporting events in Greater Manchester."

The Football Association has been hosting England home matches in stadiums around the country since the last game at the old Wembley stadium in 2000.

An FA spokesman said: "Moving games around has been a great success. Crowds have been superb with every game sold out."

Sadly for Manchester and other provincial cities, the rebuilt Wembley stadium should be ready in time for the 2006 FA Cup final next May.

The FA confirmed that the Poland match could be the last international at Old Trafford.